Root Canal Treatment

Root Canal Treatment in Orpington

Helping Save Teeth Affected by Infection or Damage

When the inner part of a tooth becomes infected or inflamed, root canal treatment may help save the tooth and prevent the need for extraction. The aim is to remove the source of the problem while preserving as much of the natural tooth as possible. Once treated and restored, the tooth can often continue to function as part of your natural smile for many years with good oral hygiene and regular dental care.

Ready to Enhance Your Smile?

A consultation can help you understand your treatment options, assess your suitability and answer any questions you may have. We'll discuss your smile goals, explain the available treatments and recommend a personalised approach based on your individual needs.

What Is Root Canal Treatment?

Inside every tooth is a soft tissue known as the dental pulp, which contains nerves and blood vessels. If the pulp becomes infected or damaged, treatment may be needed to prevent the infection from progressing.

Root canal treatment involves carefully removing the affected pulp, cleaning and shaping the root canals, and sealing the tooth to help protect it from further infection.

In many cases, the treated tooth is later restored with a filling or crown, depending on how much natural tooth structure remains.

When Might Root Canal Treatment Be Needed?

Root canal treatment may be recommended if the pulp has been affected by:

  • Deep tooth decay.
  • A cracked or fractured tooth.
  • Repeated dental treatment on the same tooth.
  • Trauma or injury.
  • Bacteria entering the pulp through damage to the tooth.

An examination is required to determine whether root canal treatment is the most appropriate option.

Steps

The Root Canal Treatment Process

1
Examination and Diagnosis

We’ll examine the affected tooth, discuss your symptoms and, where clinically appropriate, take dental X-rays to determine whether root canal treatment is the most suitable option.

2
Cleaning the Root Canals

The infected or damaged pulp is carefully removed from inside the tooth. The root canals are then cleaned, shaped and disinfected to help eliminate bacteria and prepare the tooth for restoration.

3
Sealing the Tooth

Once the canals have been thoroughly cleaned, they are filled and sealed to help protect the tooth from further infection. Depending on your treatment plan, a temporary or permanent restoration may be placed.

4
Restoring Your Tooth

Where required, the treated tooth is restored with a filling or dental crown to strengthen it and restore its function. We’ll also provide aftercare advice and arrange any necessary follow-up appointments.

Benefits

Benefits of Root Canal Treatment

When appropriate, root canal treatment may help to:

  • Preserve your natural tooth.
  • Remove infection from within the tooth.
  • Relieve symptoms associated with pulp infection.
  • Restore comfortable function.
  • Reduce the need for extraction.

The outcome depends on the condition of the tooth and your individual circumstances.

Signs

Signs of an Infected Tooth

Symptoms can vary from one person to another and, in some cases, there may be few or no obvious signs.

Possible symptoms include:

  • Persistent toothache.
  • Pain when biting or chewing.
  • Sensitivity to hot or cold that lingers.
  • Swelling around the tooth or gums.
  • Tenderness when touching the tooth.
  • A small pimple or swelling on the gum.

These symptoms do not always mean root canal treatment is required, but they should be assessed by a dentist.

Why

Ardent Orpington?

Experienced Team

Our highly trained dental professionals are passionate about delivering top-notch care tailored to your unique needs.

Comprehensive Services

From general dentistry to cosmetic dentistry, we offer a wide range of treatments to suit all your dental requirements.

Patient-Focused Approach

We prioritize your comfort and satisfaction, ensuring that every visit is a stress-free experience.

Modern Technology

Our clinic is equipped with advanced dental technology to provide precise diagnoses and effective treatments.

FAQ

Frequently Ask Questions

Does root canal treatment always require a dental crown?

Not always. Whether a crown is recommended depends on the location of the tooth, the amount of remaining tooth structure and your individual treatment plan.

In many cases, yes. Once the tooth has been restored appropriately, it can continue to function as part of your natural smile.

An untreated infection may worsen over time and could affect the surrounding tissues. Early assessment allows your dentist to recommend the most appropriate treatment.

Depending on the condition of the tooth, extraction may be an alternative in some situations. During your consultation, we’ll explain the available options so you can make an informed decision.